Do I need to have drawing or programming skills?
Strong artistic or programming ability is not required for entrance or student success in the game development program. Aptitude is, however.
Are there any non-academic requirements?
You must submit a written letter of interest about the program. You should indicate why you want to join the program and what skills or talents you have that are relevant to the Game Development program. The letter should be no longer than one page but longer than one paragraph.
Send the letter to design@algonquincollege.com
A portfolio is no longer required.
What type of computer will I be learning on?
This is a PC-based program. If a student only has Mac skills they will be able to 'transfer' their skills to the PC with relative ease.
Will I be trained on Macs or PCs?
More than 95 per cent of the worlds computers are PC-based but you will be trained on both platforms. There is no question PCs and Windows-based computer systems are the dominent force in multimedia, video, photography and graphic design. But a number of companies expect graduates to be trained on BOTH systems -- one or the other is NOT good enough in today's society. For that reason, several of your courses will held in Macintosh labs. Windows-based PCs are preferred choice for the interactive multimedia and interactive multimedia developer programs.
Macintosh is NOT reccomended for the game development program under any circumstance. Eurocom, IBM, HP, Toshiba, and other generic LAPTOPS are NOT RECOMENDED for the interactive multimedia, multimedia developer or game development programs with one exception: www.voodoopc.com
If you want to buy a new desktop PC for the program consider these specifications:
AMD Athlon 64 (avoid AMD Sempron) or Intel P4 2.6GHz (avoid Intel Celeron)
A good ABIT or ASUS motherboard is required -- avoid noname or onboard items.
2 GIGs RAM (more is better)
100+ GIG Hard Disk (more is better)
Video Card of 256+ Megs
Audio Card
Digital media card reader
DVD / CD Burner
Ports : LAN or modem, 4 USB 2.0, PS/2, FireWire, Parellel and / or Serial Port
If you want to buy a new desktop Macintosh for the program consider these specifications (there will be some things in multimedia you cannot do with a Macintosh, so plan to use our labs in addition to your computer): Any one of the Macintosh Models a) M9590LL/A b) M9591LL/A c) M9592LL/A would be adequate if equipped with two GIGS of RAM.
What other PC computer access will I have besides the specialty labs for the multimedia and game development students?
All Algonquin College students are provided with an e-mail account, dial-up and Internet access from home as well as use of the Access Centres, rooms with PC computers, dedicated to student access 24 hours per day. These computers are good for word processing, surfing, checking E-mail and doing general education courses.
Can I take the program part-time?
The demands of game development are such that they cannot be met on a part-time basis.
I've taken something similar but didn't graduate. Would I be exempt from one or two of my credits?
The college offers a prior learning assessment for all those who feel they already meet the requirements for some courses.
I have a university degree or college diploma in a computer-related subject, what do I do?
A few places in the second year of the program will be made available to students who have the appropriate background and an aptitude to succeed (begining in the Fall of 2006) . A degree or diploma does not guarantee exemption from the first-year. Please enquire.
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